About Us
Situated near Barnstaple, in the heart of North Devon, Northcote Manor is ideally placed for exploring the best of our region. Our superb location offers easy access to Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks and some of the country’s finest beaches. There’s no better place to run away to.
With an award-winning restaurant, 16 luxurious, individually appointed rooms, a state-of-the-art spa and over 20 acres to explore, we’re proud to be one of North Devon’s finest boutique hotels and a top 200 hotel in the UK.
Once a Benedictine monastery, our sympathetically restored historic manor offers a peaceful, tranquil setting where you can escape the everyday and uncover something truly special.
Our History
The name ‘Northcote’ comes from the Old English words “norð“, meaning “north” and “cot“, meaning “cottage” or “shelter”.
Our story begins in 1,000 AD, when Northcote Manor was a sanctuary for Benedictine monks and friars. One of the murals in our main lounge depicts monastic life at Northcote.
Following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539, the manor became crown property. King Henry VIII was the owner for 21 years, leasing it to the courtier Thomas de Soulemont.
The manor was then granted to John Lord Russell at Tavistock Abbey. The original manor was located a couple of hundred yards south-west from the present building, where the walled garden lodge can be found today.
The Georgian Manor
The new manor house was built in 1716. A commemorative plaque celebrating the opening can be seen above the entrance to the restaurant.
Much of the original Georgian architecture remains, including our restaurant and the quiet lounge. The Victorian Northeast wing was built in the mid-19th Century to provide additional space and rooms for families and their guests.
Some of Northcote Manor’s esteemed former residents include The Right Honourable Sir Stafford Northcote MP, the Melhuish family, Reverend Thomas of Wellington, Sir Harold Taggert Fourth Earl of Portsmouth, and Colonel Gracey.
Northcote was passed by marriage several times from the families of Russell, Hankford, and Pollard before it became the property of Richard Babbage, an important figure in local and national history.
Northcote Manor first welcomed guests in 1972 and has been a respected country house hotel ever since. Northcote Manor is a true place of hospitality and tranquillity, and we are very proud of our heritage.
Sharp-eyed visitors will notice the coat of arms and legend above the front door. The Latin text reads, “I follow the light”.